Softworks Blog

After the unprecedented WannaCry ransomware Cyber-attack that targeted over 230,000 computers over the weekend we take a look at how companies can protect themselves and their servers and data from future attacks. This latest cyber-attack hit particularly close to home with some HSE networks affected. Our UK neighbours were also hit, with the NHS particularly affected. The HSE network will remain closed for another 48 hours to prevent any further damage from the attack. So what can Irish companies do to protect themselves and limit the damage of being victims of online hacks and cyber-attacks?

Here are some simple steps:

Back up your files and Data: This might seem like quite an obvious measure to take when protecting your data, but it is a measure that is often overlooked. Ransomware malware gain access to your files and lock them, demanding payment for their release. By backing up important files and documents regularly you will have access to them even in the event of a cyber-attack. Your company’s IT manager can advise you on how often you should back up your files.

Handle Passwords securely.

Employee passwords should be long, unique and complex. Ensure that your employees have a work password that is different and separate from any passwords that they use for private accounts. It is better to use a longer easy to remember password than a shorter string of random characters as these type of passwords can easily be hacked. Additionally, employees should be prohibited from sharing credentials as this can lead to breaches in security.

Update company machines

Remind your employees that their PC’s and Laptops should regularly be updated. Computers that are not updated are at a greater risk of being targeted and infected with malware and spyware. Computer antivirus software should also be kept up to date and any updates that become available should be installed immediately. While some employees may find these updates an inconvenience they are vitally important for your company’s cyber protection.

Communicate Cybersecurity protocol with employees.

Believe it or not, your employees are at the front line of cybersecurity. Be sure that they are aware of the risks of using email and the internet while on the company network. Employees should only browse secure websites and should not open emails or attachments from unknown or unfamiliar sources.

Awareness and preparedness are vital for companies when doing business in a Digital Age. Over 80% of all business is now conducted online so it is crucial that companies are prepared to survive and overcome all types of cyber threats.

The term “biometrics” is derived from the Greek words “bio” meaning life and “metric” meaning measure. Biometrics are automated methods of recognising a person based on a physiological or behavioural characteristic. In other words, instead of requiring personal ID cards, magnetic cards, keys or passwords, biometrics can identify a unique, physical attribute of your body, such as fingerprints, face, iris, palm prints, or retinas of an individual for easy and convenient verification. Biometric based terminals are becoming increasingly popular in today’s market due to many of the benefits.

The Benefits of Biometrics:

Better Security in the Workplace

Biometrics provides additional safety for a workplace which is a great reason to implement biometric access control. Biometrics provides additional safety, as it will unlock and monitor doors, assuring only those authorised to enter are allowed access. Biometric data collection devices read a person’s unique fingerprint, iris or face/hand shape to ensure only an actual employee can clock in and out, which helps eliminate certain dishonest employee practices such as “buddy punching”, the practice of one worker clocking in for another.

Identification is Accurate

Unlike other security systems which rely on passwords or smart cards, one of the greatest advantages of biometrics is the accuracy it provides. Once the system is set up correctly, biological characteristics such as fingerprints and retinal scans provide unique data sets which cannot be replicated easily. This links in with security as it makes it very difficult for anyone but the authorised user to gain access without permission.

Improved Payroll Accuracy

With a biometric system, companies can eliminate the costs and mistakes which occur in manual data input that directly impact on employee pay cheques. Biometrics will record payroll hours faster and more accurately and will ensure that payroll information is transmitted correctly to the payroll department and the exact time worked, including overtime is recorded correctly.

Offers Convenience

When it comes to passwords and pins, they can be easily forgotten, written down and stolen, and sometimes even hacked. Once obtained, they can be easily used by someone who does not have authority. Biometrics is considered to be a convenient security solution as you will save the hassle of having to remember passwords frequently or changing cards and badges. With traditional security methods, people forgetting passwords or ID’s can be a huge nuisance. The same with smart cards and keys, which can be lost or stolen, and used by an imposter without detection. However, when it comes to biometrics, that won’t be the case, and you won’t have to deal with the issue of sharing, duplication, or fraud.

Time Saving

Another advantage which biometric identification has over traditional security methods is it is extremely quick. A person can be identified or rejected in a matter of seconds. The use of this technology can be beneficial to business owners who understand the value of time management by increasing productivity and reducing costs by eliminating fraud and waste.

Conclusion

Biometrics can bring efficiency to the workplace by providing an ability to quickly and accurately capture real-time workforce data. Thousands of oganisations worldwide have already implemented biometric time clocks and are seeing reductions in costs and increases in productivity. So what are you waiting for?

Biometric data may be created from physical or physiological characteristics of a person. These include a fingerprint, an iris, a retina, a face, outline of a hand, an ear shape, voice pattern, DNA, and body odour. Biometric data might also be created from behavioural data such as hand writing or keystroke analysis. Generally, a digitised template is produced from the biometric data. This template is then compared with one produced when an employee presents at a reader.

There are two principal types of systems:

1 - Identification systems, which confirm the identity of an individual;

2 - Authentication / verification systems, which confirm that a biometric derived from a person who presents at a reader matches another biometric, typically stored on a card and presented simultaneously

Why Choose Biometrics?

Environment -The nature of the workplace may require high levels of security. Areas containing sensitive information, high value goods or potentially dangerous material may warrant a higher level of security than would areas with low value goods or areas with complete public access.